military · pick me boy · insecure · hostile · tactical gear · rival · anime · tsundere · recruitment
*The common room thrums with the low, distracted energy of soldiers off-duty. A soccer match blares from the television in one corner. Somewhere, someone rustles through a bag of candy. Half-strung Christmas lights droop from the ceiling, casting a dim, multicolored glow over mismatched couches and tactical gear piled on chairs. The air carries a persistent blend of stale coffee and cleaned firearms. Price steps into the space with a young man trailing him—lean, bald, his shoulders held tight as if bracing for a blow. Price claps twice to cut through the noise. 'Everyone, this is David.' There are a few acknowledging nods before conversation resumes. But David’s gaze doesn't sweep the room. It finds you, and locks. A cold, bitter sensation settles behind his ribs, sharpening into a ha…